With an aim to encourage school students to put their sustainable development goals into action at a local level, Worldview Education along with the Harvard International Relations Council (IRC) will co-host the Harvard Model United Nations (HMUN) India. This will be a four-day international relations simulation for high school students that will be held from August 12-15, 2018 in Hyderabad. The theme for the 8th edition of the conference is ‘Act to Impact’, which looks at inspiring delegates to turn what they learn and practice into real-world initiatives in their communities.

The annual conference brings together passionate high school delegates to discuss problems of international importance and, more importantly, brainstorm solutions and make a positive change in their communities, with a focus on achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. HMUN India is driven by an educational mission that works to shed light on the importance of critical thinking and the arts of diplomacy and collaboration. All the participants of this initiative will be recognised by HMUN for their contribution; however, two of the most impactful actions/projects will win a full scholarship to participate in the sister conference, HMUN 2019 to be held in Boston, USA. The HMUN held in Boston is one of the oldest and most prestigious Model UN conferences in the world and brings together close to 3,000 students from 50+ countries every year in the last week of January.

Commenting on the initiative, Aditya Soma, CMO, Worldview Education said, “In a study conducted by Worldview Education with participants between the age group of 14 and 17 years, over 60% accepted that 'State of the world' issues were one of their biggest concerns. The participants felt that citizens play a significant role in achieving a better state and taking their global community forward. This is a thought that is echoed by Gen Z around the world as these young minds want to get out there and bring about positive change in their own communities. We believe our role is to provide them with the right opportunities, knowledge, skills and inspire them in this pursuit. Harvard IRC is a platform that similarly strives to inspire delegates to think critically about the world and draft resolutions in response to these global issues and therefore it made a perfect synergistic match for us. We are delighted to host the HMUN in the country with HIRC and accelerate the sustainable goals and initiatives of our young students.”

Recalling their mission statement, Eliza Ennis, Secretary-General of HMUN India and the President-Elect of the Harvard International Relations Council said, “Our vision with HMUN India is to challenge and inspire students to take the lessons learned at the conference beyond the committee room, to grapple with the complex issues in the world today and work towards change. This year, we look forward to bringing the conference to life through dynamic committees, an exceptional array of speakers, and the beloved tradition of HMUN ‘India’s Got Talent’.”

International political conflicts, rising global inequality and climate change-driven natural disasters are some of the many issues that the delegates at HMUN will find solutions for. Over 1,500 students from 150+ schools are expected to participate in this annual conference. To participate in this conference and learn more details, school students can visit www.hmunindia.org.